PNW Cruising 2025

[rcsomany]

In past cruising seasons, boaters in Washington State and British Columbia have freely "traded countries" to explore and enjoy the San Juans, Puget Sound, the Gulf Islands, central and northern BC Coast, and Alaska. It would be interesting to hear whether and how members' plans for this cruising season have changed in view of the economic and political climate in which we find ourselves.

 

[Bmarler]

No change for me, unless they restrict border crossings.

 

[chanprr]

No change for me, unless they restrict border crossings.

Same here.

 

[JackConnick]

I was sort of thinking the same thing, but it would be nice to hear from some Canadian boaters to see what their feelings are about US cruisers. I'm sure many of them are re-thinking coming south...
Jack

 

[Portage_Bay]

We expect to go to BC. We don't anticipate it being as "frictionless" as previous years. We'll keep an eye on Canadian regulations to be well prepared. And polite and respectful of Canada and Canadians.

 

[SteveK]

This year heading to Desolation and beyond with no plans to go south.
So no change since 2018. Nothing has changed across the line except our $ does not buy as much as before, that matters. Unless that changes, my plans will not change by car, plane or boat.
The American flag flies at our marina and American TF boaters are welcome.

 

[JDCAVE]

I was sort of thinking the same thing, but it would be nice to hear from some Canadian boaters to see what their feelings are about US cruisers. I'm sure many of them are re-thinking coming south...
Jack

Hmmmm…

I will not be coming south. There will be a KK rendezvous in Anacortes in September, but I will not be going.

There’s a lot of anger up here. That’s for sure. Canada is facing recession and we’re are worried and angry. I’m sure there will be other shoes to drop before this all plays out.

Jim

 

[Bob Cofer]

Our plans haven't changed. I hope that boater diplomacy will be as it always has been, and my meager dollars will help to support the communities that we visit.

 

[Max Simmons]

We're planning on spending a month or so up North in Desolation. Hoping this doesn't change.

 

[firehoser75]

Personally I would hope that people from both countries are adult enough, and able to discern the difference between international relations and interpersonal relations. American visitors should be welcome anywhere in Canada. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and this situation will improve shortly??

 

[Fletcher500]

Fallout from Canadians toward American boaters should be expected, and warranted IMO.

 

[darnold]

We will not be travelling south of the border this year by boat or RV. Orange man just declared war on my country and continues to muse on making it the 51st state by any means possible. We cut short our annual two month trip to AZ when he made his Davos speech and given our age we will likely never return. The tariffs just make his intention to destroy my country clearer. The "fentanyl emergency" is just a convenient excuse to apply the tariffs he wants. The anger up here is off the charts. No plans to spend ANY $ on American made goods if it can be avoided and we will not be going into the San Juans at all. Americans are welcome up here, but if you are flying a Trump flag be prepared for some unpleasant confrontations.

 

[firehoser75]

Fallout from Canadians toward American boaters should be expected, and warranted IMO.

I don't want to create any hard feelings, and personal opinions are just that, an opinion, but why blame an individual (who may or may not have voted for a particular individual for President) for something they have no control over (Trump's actions)? I take no personal responsibility for Trudeau's actions and would hate to take blame for them.
To me, anger at the US Government (or Trump) is understandable under the circumstances, but anger at "Joe the average boater" over this is unfair. JMHO.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I expect some Canadians will angry, some hospitable and some neutral. It will be a personal decision for each. I certainly understand the anger. If the current situation slows US boater traffic into Canada I worry for the financial health of many of the smaller outfits. Quite a few barely made it through covid and higher fuel prices. Some didn't make it. If my favorites are still open and accepting I will be generous with my spending and tipping to in a very small way offset what I expect to be big losses for the.

 

[Kit]

Hard not to be angry. How could Americans let one man turn the world upside down. It's OK for us cruising around in our fancy yachts we will get by, but many people will be loosing jobs and having an even tougher time making ends meet and putting food on their tables. It's unfortunate but I can't see how boating up here is going to be quite the same.

 

[twistedtree]

I don't want to create any hard feelings, and personal opinions are just that, an opinion, but why blame an individual (who may or may not have voted for a particular individual for President) for something they have no control over (Trump's actions)? I take no personal responsibility for Trudeau's actions and would hate to take blame for them.
To me, anger at the US Government (or Trump) is understandable under the circumstances, but anger at "Joe the average boater" over this is unfair. JMHO.

Well, slightly more than half of the "Joe's" support the current US actions and behavior. And they are so abhorrent that it really has become personal, I'm afraid.

 

[Nick F]

Well, slightly more than half of the "Joe's" support the current US actions and behavior. And they are so abhorrent that it really has become personal, I'm afraid.

This is the problem.

Non-trumpers welcome. If you truly support his actions (both regarding Canada AND Ukraine) please do not come here.

I did have plans to attend the Grand Banks Rendezvous in Roche Harbour - we will not be going now.

 

[porman]

Funny how times have changed. During his first term I posted that we were going to Canada in the Summer and I hoped that the Canadians wouldn't hold it against me. My post was removed, and I got a note from the moderators.

 

[Sababa]

I’m looking forward to visiting Canada and welcoming Canadians regardless of politics this and every year.

 

[RCook]

Ditto!

 

[ksanders]

We will not be travelling south of the border this year by boat or RV. Orange man just declared war on my country and continues to muse on making it the 51st state by any means possible. We cut short our annual two month trip to AZ when he made his Davos speech and given our age we will likely never return. The tariffs just make his intention to destroy my country clearer. The "fentanyl emergency" is just a convenient excuse to apply the tariffs he wants. The anger up here is off the charts. No plans to spend ANY $ on American made goods if it can be avoided and we will not be going into the San Juans at all. Americans are welcome up here, but if you are flying a Trump flag be prepared for some unpleasant confrontations.

Same thing here in Mexico.

Trump is extremely unpopular here.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

ASD will be going north again this year. The Admiral is insisting SEAK again as she found a new fishing "hot spot." I hope the weather will be better than last year.

 

[Bmarler]

Funny how times have changed. During his first term I posted that we were going to Canada in the Summer and I hoped that the Canadians wouldn't hold it against me. My post was removed, and I got a note from the moderators.

Things do seem a bit looser now, but if it gets too political the thread will be locked.
As long as the discussion stays on topic I think we’ll be alright.

 

[soin2la]

This kind of discussion always reminds me of the time, maybe 15 years ago when I was gassing the bike in a small WA town and took verbal abuse from a carload at the next pump. It had nothing to do with reality.

Those who think humans should rise above, likely don’t have a Facebook account.

I think in the community of boater to boater things will remain much the same; some will dislike you as they have always done and those who are respected will reciprocate as usual.

Where you might come up against it will be flack, from the non-cruising boaters, the weekend warriors, and some of the onshore encounters, where folks might be more inclined to chirping. I know some of them.

 

[RedRascal]

Planning to be in Victoria for Canadian Day, then onto Barkley Sound. Later in the summer the goal is to get up to Desolation Sound so no I am not changing plans. If anything, wildfire smoke may be the thing that causes a change for me.

 

[Ken E.]

Still planning on BC this summer and looking forward to it.

 

[Ertyqway]

Our itinerary is set and reservations made. We're heading north in July and looking forward to continued Canadian adventures on the water as well as meeting up with many Canadian friends.

 

[ksanders]

We are a mixed American and Mexican family.

Our plans are in a couple weeks crossing into America from Mexico, and working our way north throughout the season, ending up in Victoria BS for the winter.

No change in plans, and we expect a cruisers warm welcome where ever we go. Cruisers are good people.

We have joined a Yacht Club and will be using our reciprocal privileges along the way, so we'll be staying at Yacht Club docks as much as possible.

We are finding that Yacht Clubs provide a sense of community and free slip space, making the membership a net positive financially, and a super positive people, and facilities wise.

 

[twistedtree]

We are a mixed American and Mexican family.

Our plans are in a couple weeks crossing into America from Mexico, and working our way north throughout the season, ending up in Victoria BS for the winter.

No change in plans, and we expect a cruisers warm welcome where ever we go. Cruisers are good people.

We have joined a Yacht Club and will be using our reciprocal privileges along the way, so we'll be staying at Yacht Club docks as much as possible.

We are finding that Yacht Clubs provide a sense of community and free slip space, making the membership a net positive financially, and a super positive people, and facilities wise.

I hope we cross paths at some point. Safe travels.

 

[slowgoesit]

We are a mixed American and Mexican family.

Our plans are in a couple weeks crossing into America from Mexico, and working our way north throughout the season, ending up in Victoria BS for the winter.

No change in plans, and we expect a cruisers warm welcome where ever we go. Cruisers are good people.

We have joined a Yacht Club and will be using our reciprocal privileges along the way, so we'll be staying at Yacht Club docks as much as possible.

We are finding that Yacht Clubs provide a sense of community and free slip space, making the membership a net positive financially, and a super positive people, and facilities wise.

Kevin, what Yacht Club did you join?